Abolishing the Someday Mindset

Remember when you were a kid, and how excited you were every summer during the weeks that lead up to a family vacation? Somewhere along the way, amidst mortgage payments and job responsibilities, most of us lost that excitement we experienced when we were younger. Well what if you could regain that? What if you could have so many things to look forward to, that your life would never be dull again? That is exactly what I set out to accomplish when I created “my list”.

Everyone has things they want to do in their lives. The problem is, very few people have the mindset that allows them to actually accomplish their goals. Sure, at some point in the future you would like to see the Eiffel Tower, start a business, and meet a world leader. That means nothing until you make it a priority, and creating a bucket list can be the first step.

This past February I was able to accomplish three things I had always wanted to do: dance in the Rio Carnival parade (above), go hang gliding, and visit Iguassu Falls. Doing each of these only made my desire to complete the rest of my list that much stronger. Starting my blog is the realization of one of these goals. In three weeks I plan on climbing the South Sister (below) in Central Oregon to cross off #16 on my list (climb a mountain).

The biggest mistake you can make in life is falling into the mindset of “someday”. Constantly saying, someday I will do this, or someday I will do that.

I hate to break it to you, but there are only seven days in a week, and someday isn’t one of them.

Once you change this mindset, and begin attaining your goals, the lifestyle gets easier. Each new goal you accomplish just fuels the desire to do the next one.

Setting goals is particularly important if you are self employed or location independent. When you don’t have the constraints and schedule of a normal 9 to 5 job you have the potential to accomplish so much.

However, if you don’t set goals the end result is simple: you fail.

When you work for yourself there is no one telling you what to do or structuring your life, it is completely up to you. If you are in this situation, it is beneficial to create multiple lists to keep you on track. Create one list for your “life goals” and another for “business goals”. Separating the two will allow you to remain focused on both aspects of your life and ensuring you make them both a priority.

So how do you get started changing your mentality from one of someday to one of right now. First you need to create your list. This isn’t necessarily an easy process, and it will be a constant evolution, but you need to start getting some ideas on paper. Start easy and pick 5 things you have always wanted to do, but keep putting off. Then move up to ten, and 15, and so on. Initially many of these goals will probably be travel related. This is great but be sure to think on a broader basis as well. Consider financial goals, hobbies you want to learn, relationship goals, business goals, all of these should be included. Think about both easy short term goals, as well as more difficult long term goals. My article 10 Tips for Creating a Useful Bucket List provides more specifics about how to create your own list.

Another way to get kick started is to include things you have already accomplished on your list. Say after your initial run through you have 100 items. Maybe 5 or 10 of them are things you have already done. This allows you to feel as though you have already made progress on something and can make it less daunting to pursue the rest of your goals.

The importance of this concept cannot be overstated. I have seen so many people slave away at their jobs for years, and have nothing to show for it except a fancy car and a lot of excess stuff. Many work so much that they don’t even have time to enjoy the stuff they have acquired over the years. I don’t want that for me, and I am pretty sure you don’t want it either. By making your goals your first priority over your job or paycheck, you will live a much more fulfilling life. It is up to you to establish your priorities, but if you spend more time in a suit and tie than not, it may be time to re-evaluate your situation (Note: I am one of these people, and am currently proving that change CAN occur).

Nothing worth doing is ever easy, and this is no exception. But I promise, the journey to finishing your list will be a hell of a lot better than the one where you sit still at your desk for the next 30 years. It is up to you which path you take.

Related posts

1. The “As-Soon-As-Possible” List
2. Fifty Things You And I Are Going To Do
3. The Beginner’s Guide to Lifestyle Design
4. How To Break Free From The Conventional Life
5. How to Succeed Online without a Business Plan